THE UK’s number one travel agent has invested £1million in the relocation of its official headquarters to Libertas House in Glasgow city centre’s St Vincent Place.
The investment follows the return of travel demand to 2019 levels, the travel firm say the time was right to reinvest in a new dynamic space while maintaining its Glasgow roots.
Previously located in Oswald Street, the move will see Barrhead Travel’s sales support functions, alongside some specialist sales divisions, relocate to the fifth floor of the historic building on St Vincent Place. The office will officially open during quarter four.
Following the continued success, Barrhead Travel also recently announced a modern apprenticeship drive which will see over 50 new apprenticeship roles created across its business. For more information, please visit https://www.barrheadtravel.co.uk/careers
Barrhead Travel, has also launched a new campaign ‘Love Winter’ as people look to escape the short days and rainy weather to enjoy a winter holiday to remember.
The new campaign comes after the travel group reported that approximately fifty per cent of new bookings are for travel this autumn and winter. October, November and December are currently the most popular booking months, signalling a surge in last minute getaways for October school holidays and festive breaks.
Winter sun is proving the most popular choice amongst UK travellers over the coming months with top departures including Tenerife, cruising from Miami, Barbados, Dubai and Lanzarote. Those favouring crisp city breaks this year are choosing New York, Paris and Krakow, according to Barrhead Travel.
The group say that All Inclusive is the top holiday choice this season while seven nights is the most popular duration.
On the new office, Jacqueline Dobson, President of Barrhead Travel, said:
“The new office opening and the renewed demand for the expertise of a travel agent marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Barrhead Travel as the industry moves away from the challenges of the pandemic.
“We’re a people-first business and our new HQ is designed around accommodating a modern approach to office life with hybrid working opportunities, new technology, and accessibility at the heart of it.
“Although we’ve expanded over the last few years to become a UK-wide business with over 85 retail outlets nationwide, our home is Glasgow and we’re delighted to continue to invest in the city centre that will support future job creation.”
Jacqueline Dobson, also commented on the travel trends this winter:
“Following a busy summer period, it’s great to see that last-minute holidays are still high on the agenda for many people. New bookings for departures this winter are higher than pre-pandemic, indicating the pent-up demand that accumulated over the last few years is still releasing.
“Holidaymakers are seeking best value – which is why all-inclusive and cruise are in high demand for last-minute getaways. There’s also a definite transition back to high street agents at the moment as our stores are welcoming people who’ve never booked with a travel agent before. More than sixty percent of our new bookings this year have been new-to-brand, with 18-30 year olds making up most of new customers.
Dobson noted that families had been quick to secure 2023 trips on return from their summer holidays this year:
“More people have been opting to book their core summer 2023 holiday further in advance than usual – particularly families who want to lock in prices and guarantee availability and their first-choice destination for next year. There are plenty of low deposit options, free child places, and extra discounts on offer for summer 2023 which are stimulating demand.”
Barrhead Travel has thousands of last-minute deals available for getting away this winter including European Christmas Market breaks from £349pp and four-star all-inclusive Mexico this December from just £1067pp.Visit barrheadtravel.co.uk for more information.
